By: Melanie Aanyu

Police in Mubende District are holding 31 people, including 13 volunteers attached to the Uganda Red Cross Society medical team after they were allegedly found in a bar drinking, contrary to the Ministry of Health guidelines announced to contain the spread of Ebola in the country.

President Museveni earlier this month ordered Kassanda and Mubende districts, the epicentre of the outbreak, to be put under lockdown, imposing a travel ban, a curfew and the closure of public places.

Wamala Regional police spokesperson, Ms Rachel Kawala said on Sunday that during their Saturday night operations to enforce curfew, they rounded up 31 people found violating lockdown rules.

She said they will be charged with doing a negligent act likely to spread diseases.

Dr Joseph Kasumba, the Red Cross operation manager said their volunteers were arrested from their rented residence where they had returned after a long day.